There are also physiological and pathological differences between coffee spots

Mondo Health Updated on 2024-02-01

When do coffee spots appear?

Not all coffee spots are born in the baby, about 44% of coffee spots are present at birth, and about 36% of infants and young children develop them at different times. Generally, there are no new hairs in adulthood.

Are coffee spots hereditary?

Not hereditary. Although there are cases of both parents and children having coffee spots, the overall proportion is similar to that of other people, so it is believed that they are not inherited or have no familial predisposition. However, multiple coffee spots syndrome occurs in families.

The difference between physiological and pathological coffee spots

Coffee spots can be divided into two categories: physiological coffee spots and pathological coffee spots. The main difference between them is the cause and nature of their formation:

Physiological coffee spots:

Causes: Physiological coffee spots are caused by the activity of melanocytes (cells that produce color) within normal physiological conditions. This type of spot is usually present at birth and can also appear in infancy.

Properties: Physiological coffee spots are usually benign and not associated with diseases of other systems of the body. They are a common** change that does not cause other health problems.

Pacia caea paea paea (coffe-aure):

Causes: Pathological coffee spots are caused by certain pathological factors and may be related to genetic diseases, genetic mutations, or other health problems. One example is neurofibromatosis, where patients may have multiple coffee spots.

Properties: Pathologic coffee spots may be related to the overall health of the patient and require more careful evaluation and attention. These spots can be a sign of certain diseases, not just pigmentation on the surface.

How can you tell?

To determine whether coffee spots are physiological or pathological, a comprehensive medical evaluation is usually required. Here are some possible steps:

History of Medicine:The doctor may ask about the person's medical history, including whether there are family members who have similar spots and when the coffee spots appeared.

Physical Examination:Your doctor will do a physical exam to check the size, color, shape and distribution of your coffee spots. Especially if the spots are irregular and the edges are not clear, your doctor may be more concerned about whether there are other problems.

Genetic Counseling:If there is a high likelihood of pathological coffee spots, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling. This helps determine if there is a risk of genetic diseases or genetic mutations.

Imaging tests:In some cases, your doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scans, to check for underlying neurological problems.

**Biological Examination:The doctor may perform a biopsy, by taking a small piece of tissue for laboratory tests, to confirm or rule out the disease associated with the problem.

Full body examination:Doctors may perform a general examination to evaluate the person for other symptoms associated with coffee spots to determine if there are systemic problems.

Professional Assessment:In cases where symptoms are unclear or complex, professional advice from a doctor or geneticist can be sought.

Overall, physiological coffee spots are usually benign and associated with normal physiological processes, while pathological coffee spots may be associated with underlying health problems. If coffee spots are a cause for concern, it is best to consult a doctor for a detailed evaluation and diagnosis. Doctors can determine the type of coffee spot and possible health effects based on the patient's medical history, physical examination, and possible further tests.

Related Pages